The Leela, India’s pinnacle of luxury hospitality, continues to shine internationally, recently earning the title of Luxury Hotel Brand of the Year at the 18th Ultimate Luxury Travel Related Awards (ULTRAs). This prestigious accolade, presented in London’s historic Kensington Palace, highlights The Leela’s commitment to delivering unparalleled experiences that blend traditional Indian hospitality with modern sophistication.
Since its founding in 1986 by Captain C.P. Krishnan Nair, The Leela has been synonymous with “Atithi Devo Bhava”—the belief that a guest is akin to God. This philosophy permeates every aspect of The Leela’s operations, from its exquisite architecture inspired by India’s heritage to its emphasis on personalized and authentic luxury experiences.
The recognition at the ULTRAs extends to individual properties as well, with The Leela Palace New Delhi receiving the award for Best Hotel in the Middle East/India, further cementing the brand’s status as a global leader in hospitality.
The Leela’s success lies in its ability to cater to evolving luxury travelers by seamlessly blending India’s rich traditions with contemporary elegance. Every stay is designed to celebrate Indian art, cuisine, and culture, offering guests a journey through the nation’s illustrious heritage while meeting the highest standards of modern comfort.
The ULTRAs, an annual event curated by Ultratravel and Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), honors excellence across luxury travel. This year’s ceremony featured 18 categories, recognizing industry leaders voted by millions of GHA DISCOVERY members. The event was hosted by UK TV personalities Natalie Pinkham and Gethin Jones, with notable attendees including HRH Princess Eugenie and Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes.
With accolades like these, The Leela solidifies its position not just as India’s premier luxury brand but also as a global ambassador of Indian hospitality. As it continues to evolve, The Leela remains a beacon of luxury, inviting the world to experience India’s heritage through its unparalleled service and sophistication.